Kids Orthodontics
Start early, our kid-friendly care makes healthy smiles easy and future fixes smaller!
The Magic Age is 7
Bringing your child to the orthodontist around age 7 can make a world of difference for their smile and your peace of mind. Early evaluations allow us to catch potential issues before they become bigger problems, making orthodontic care less expensive, less invasive, and far more time-efficient.
What Happens at 7
At age 7, the front four permanent teeth are starting to come in.
That means we can predict how the rest of the teeth will come in and provide an outlook for future orthodontic needs.
And depending on the individual child’s needs, we can even use some pre-emptive treatment that can help set you up for future success.
Phase 1 Treatment
Phase I treatment typically begins between the ages of 7 and 10 when baby teeth are still present and adult teeth are starting to come in. At this stage, we’re not just looking at teeth; we’re looking at how everything is developing.
What does Phase I do?
It can:
- Create space for crowded teeth
- Avoid permanent tooth extractions
- Guide jaw growth for proper alignment
- Prevent more serious issues down the road
- Improve speech, breathing, and self-confidence
- Reduce the cost of future orthodontics
- Sidestep orthodontic treatment entirely
Phase 2 Treatment
Phase II treatment is all about correcting the bite and permanent teeth that have come in since Phase I treatment. This typically happens between ages 11 and 14.
What does Phase II do?
- This stage fine-tunes the bite and smile by:
- Aligning all permanent teeth
- Correcting the bite (overbite, underbite, crossbite, etc.)
- Enhancing facial symmetry and smile aesthetics
- Creating long-term stability and function
Kids Orthodontic Evaluation
- Bite Alignment: Assessing how the upper and lower teeth fit together to identify issues like overbites, underbites, or crossbites, which can impact chewing, speaking, and overall jaw development.
- Jaw Growth and Position: Monitoring the growth and alignment of the jaws to ensure they are developing symmetrically and providing enough space for permanent teeth.
- Eruption Patterns: Checking the development and eruption of permanent teeth to catch any delays, missing teeth, or crowding early for timely intervention.
Frequently asked questions
When should my child first visit an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation around age 7. At this age, we can identify potential issues early and determine if treatment might be needed now or in the future.
Why is early orthodontic treatment important?
Early treatment helps address problems like crowding, misalignment, or jaw issues before they become more complicated. It can make future treatment easier, faster, and less expensive while promoting healthy development of your child’s teeth and jaw.
Will my child need braces right away?
Not necessarily! Many kids don’t need braces immediately. Early visits are more about monitoring growth and planning for the best time to start treatment if it’s needed. If intervention is required, it’s often less invasive and more effective when started early.
Orthodontics is for everyone.
Get started with a free in-person or virtual consultation today.